Whitehall, April 13. 1679. LET the following Capitulations made with the Grand Signior be Printed for the use of the Turkey-Company. Jo. Cook. THE Capitulations AND ARTICLES OF PEACE BETWEEN The Majesty of the King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, etc. AND The SULTAN of the Ottoman Empire, As they have been augmented and altered in the times of several Ambassadors: And particularly as they have been renewed, augmented, and amplified at the City of Adrianople in the Month of January 1661/2. by Heneage Earl of Winchelsea, Ambassador Extraordinary from his Majesty: And also as they have been since renewed in the Month of September 1675. with divers additional Articles and Privileges, by Sir John Finch, Knight, Ambassador in Ordinary from his Majesty to Sultan Mahomet Han, the most puissant Prince and Emperor of the Turks. LONDON, Printed for J. S. MDCLXXIX. The Articles of Peace, etc. ACcording to my Imperial Command let it be observed, and let no Act be permitted contrary hereunto. MAHOMET. THE Command of this Sublime, and Losty, and Imperial Signature, preserved and exalted by Divine Providence, whose Triumph and Glory is renowned through all the World. By the favour of the Nourisher of all things, and mercy and grace of the merciful, I that am the powerful Lord of Lords of the World, whose Name is formidable upon Earth, giver of all Crowns of the Universe, Sultan Mahomet Han, Son of Sultan Ibrahim Han, Son of Sultan Ahmet Han, Son of Sultan Mahomet Han, Son of Sultan Murat Han, Son of Sultan Selim Han, Son of Sultan Suliman Han, Son of Sultan Selim Han. To the glorious amongst the great Princes of Jesus, reverenced by the high Potentates of the people of the Messiah, sole Director of the important Affairs of the Nazarene Nation, Lord of the limits of Decency, and honour of Greatness, and Fame, Charles the Second, King of England and Scotland, that is of Great Britain, France and Ireland, whose end and Enterprises may the Omnipotent God conclude with bliss and favour, with the illumination of his holy will. In times past the Queen of the aforesaid Kingdoms sent divers of her esteemed Gentlemen, and Persons of Quality, with Letters and Ships to this Imperial High Port (the refuge of the Princes of the World, and the retreat of the Kings of the whole Universe) in the happy times of famous memory of my Ancestors now placed in Paradise, whose Souls be replenished with Divine Mercy; which Gentlemen and Presents were gratefully accepted, making Declaration, and offering, in the Name of the said Queen, an entire good Peace, and pure Friendship, and demanding that their Subjects might have leave to come from England into our Ports. Our said Ancestors of happy memory did then grant their Imperial Licence, and gave into the hands of the English Nation divers especial and Imperial Commands, to the end that they might safely and securely come and go into these Dominions, and in coming or returning either by Land or Sea in their way and passage, that they should of no man be molested or hindered. After which time in the days of our Grandfather Sultan Mahomet Han of famous memory (unto whose Soul be granted Divine Absolution) it being anew desired, That the Subjects, Merchants, and their Interpreters, might freely and securely come, Merchandise, and Negotiate through all the parts of this Imperial Dominion, and that such Capitulations, and other Privileges, and Imperial Commands, as had been granted unto the Nation of the Kings and Princes in Peace and Amity with this high Port, as France, Venice, Poland, and others, might also be granted to the Subjects of the said Queen, and all others coming under the English Banner; in confirmation of which request, were given and confirmed by our Ancestors of famous memory, the Imperial Capitulations and Privileges succeeding, to say, It is commanded, etc. Our Ships may trade in all parts, etc. I. First, That the said Nation, and the English Merchants, and any other Nation or Merchants which are or shall come under the English Banner and Protection, with their Ships small and great, Merchandise, Faculties, and all other their Goods, may always pass safe in our Seas, and freely and in all security may come and go into any part of the Imperial limits of our Dominions in such sort, that neither any of the Nation, their Goods and Faculties shall receive any hindrance or molestation from any person whatsoever. Travel freely. II. The said Nation shall and may in like manner freely and securely come and go by Land through all the Imperial Limits of our Dominions, so that neither to their Persons, Beasts, Goods, or Faculties, shall any trouble or Impediment be given, nor any injury be done unto them, but they shall always at their own pleasures safely and securely traffic in all parts of our Dominions. The same. III. And if it happen that any of the said Nation coming into our Dominions by Land, or passing into any other Country shall be stayed or arrested by any of our Ministers, such persons shall be set free and at liberty, and afterwards shall receive no hindrance in his Journey. iv All English Ships or Vessels, small or great, shall and may at any time safely and securely come and harbour in any of the Scales and Ports of our Dominions, and likewise may from thence departed at their pleasure, without detention or hindrance of any man. Distress of Ships V And if it shall happen that any English Vessel, great or small, fall into any misfortune, danger of Sea, or any other necessity, all the Vessels, as well Imperial, as belonging to private men, that shall be near or present, as also all others that inhabit the Seas, shall give them help and secure; and being come into our Ports or Scales, they shall freely stay in them as long as they please, and for their money provide for them of all necessaries, and Provision, Freedom to take Provisions. and may take Water without the let or hindrance of any man. VI And if it shall happen that any of their Ships shall have suffered Shipwreck, Cases of Shipwreck. or been broken, or in distress, shall be cast upon any Coast of our Dominions; in which case all Beglarbegs, Cadees, Governors, Ministers, and other our Slaves, shall give them all assistance, succour and help; and whatsoever Goods, and Faculties shall be saved or recovered in the said Ships, shall be restored to the English, and if they shall be restored to the of their Goods and Faculties shall be stole or taken away, our said Ministers, with all diligence, shall make sufficient search and examination to find out and recover the Goods, and restore them to the English. The English and their Dependants to travel freely. VII. The English Merchants, Interpreters, Brokers, and all other Subjects of that Nation, whether by Sea or Land, may freely and safely come and go in all the Ports of our Dominions, or returning into their own Country, all our Beglerbegs, Ministers, Governors, and other Officers, Captains by Sea of Ships, and others whomsoever our Slaves and Subjects, we command that none of them do or shall lay hands upon their persons, or Faculties, or upon any pretence shall do them any hindrance or injury. One English man not to answer for the Debt of another, unless he be his Surety by Hoget. VIII. If any English man, either for his own Debt, or for Surety-ship, shall absent himself, or make escape away, or shall be bankrupt, the Creditor shall only pretend his Debt upon his own Debtor, and not of any other English; and if the Creditor have not authentic Hoget or Bill of Surety-ship made by an English man, he shall not pretend his Debt of any other English man. IX. In all Causes, Businesses and Occasions which shall occur between the said Nation, their Merchants, Interpreters and Brokers, or Servants, and any other whatsoever, that is to say, In felling or buying, in paying or receiving, in giving or taking security, or Pledge, Debt or Credit, and all other such things which appertain to the Ministers of the Law and Justice, In all businesses nothing of force without Hoget. they may always (if they please) in such occasions go to the Caddee, who is the Judge of the Law, and there make a Hoget, or public Authentic Act with Witness, and Register the same, and take a Copy of the same to keep by them, to the end that if in the future any difference or pretence shall arise between the said Parties, they may both have a recourse to the said Hoget and Act. And when the pretence shall be conformable to the tenor of the Hoget Registered; then it shall be accordingly thereunto observed: And if the Plaintiff hath not in his hands any such Authentic Hoget, but only bringeth partial Witness which makes Cavils or Pretences, our Ministers shall not give ear to them, but observe the written authentic Hoget. No plea to be made against an English man without knowledge of the Ambassador. Or Consul X. And if any one within our Dominions shall accuse any English man to have done him wrong, and shall therefore raise any pretence upon him by violent or partial Witness, our Ministers shall not give car unto them, nor accept them, but the Cause shall be advised to the Ambassador or Consul Resident of the English Nation, to the end that the business may be decided with his knowledge, and in his presence, that the English may always have recourse to their defence and protection. XI. If any English man, having committed an offence, shall make his escape, No English man to be molested for another without being pledge. or absent himself, no other English man, not being pledge, shall be taken or molested for him. English men not to be Slaves. XII. All English men, or Subjects of England, which be found Slaves in our state, or shall be demanded by the Ambassador, or Consul, the cause shall be duly examined, and such persons as are found truly to be Subjects of England shall be set free, and delivered to the Ambassador, or Consul. No Harach demanded. XIII. All Englishmen, and all other Subjects of the Crown of England, which shall dwell, or reside in our Dominions, whether they be married, or single; may buy, sell, and traffic, and of them shall no Harach or Head-money be demanded. The Ambassador 's power to constitute Consuls. XIV. The English Ambassador, Resident in Aleppo, Alexandria, Tripoli of Suria, or Tunis; Algiers, Tripoli of Barbary, in Smyrna, the Ports of Cairo, or any other parts of our Dominions, may at their pleasure establish their Consuls, and in like manner remove them, or change and appoint others in their places, and none of our Ministers shall oppose, or refuse to accept them. No Process without the Interpreter. XV. In all Causes concerning Law and Justice between the English Nation, and any other, in the absence of their Interpreters, the Judges, nor any other there of our Ministers, shall not proceed to give Sentence. The Turks not to meddle in differences between the English. XVI. If there happen any Controversy amongst themselves, the decision thereof shall be wholly left to their own Ambassador or Consul, according to their own Right and Laws, and with no such Causes our Ministers shall intermeddle. Our Ships not to be detained at Sea by the Turks Armada. XVII. Our Armada of Galleys, Ships, or any other Vessels of our Empire, which at Sea meet, or find any English Ship, they shall not do them, nor suffer to be done to them the least injury, or trouble; nor shall they stay them, demand, pretend, or take any thing from them, but shall salute, and show good and mutual Friendship the one to the other, without offence. All Privileges granted to other Nations, granted also to the English. XVIII. All those particular Privileges and Capitulations, which in former times have been granted to the French, Venetians, or any other Christian Nation, whose King is in Peace and Friendship with this Port, in like manner, the same were granted, and given to the said English Nation; to the end, that in time to come, the Tenor of this our Imperial Capitulations may be always observed by all men; and that none may, in any manner, upon any pretence, presume to contradict, or violate it. XIX. If the Pirates, or Levents, who infested the Seas with their Frigates, Against Turkish Pirates. shall be found to have taken any English Vessel, or to have rob or spoiled their Goods and Faculties: Also if it shall be found, that in any of our Dominions, any shall have violently taken Goods of any English Man, our Ministers shall with all diligence seek out such Offenders, and severely punish them, and cause that all such Goods, Ships, Moneys, and whatsoever hath been taken away from the English Nation, shall be presently, justly, and absolutely restored to them. XX. All our Beglerbegs, Begs, Captains, Masters of Imperial Ships, and other private Judges, Governors, Customers, Farmers, and all our Ministers, Subjects and Slaves, shall always obey and keep the Tenor of these our Sworn Capitulations, and shall with all observance respect the Friendship and good Correspondence established on both Parties, every one in particular taking especial care not to commit any Act contrary thereunto. And as long as the said Queen of England, according to this present Agreement of sincere Friendship, and good Correspondence, shall show herself, and remain with us in Peace, Friendship, and League, firm, constant, and sincere; We do promise also on our parts reciprocally, that this Peace, Friendship, Articles, Capitulations, and Correspondence in the forewritten form, shall be for ever of us maintained, observed, and respected; and of no man many part thereof shall be contradicted, or infringed: All which Articles of Peace and Friendship were concluded signed, and an Imperial Capitulation granted and confirmed by our Ancestors of happy Memory. Since which time his Majesty of England, James deceased in the time of our Grandfather of happy memory, Sultan Achmet Han, having sent unto our Imperial Throne his Ambassadors, Letters, and Presents, which were most acceptable, and desired that the already contracted Peace, and Friendship, and good Correspondence made with our Grandfathers, and the Capitulations, Articles, and Privileges above-written, should be again ratified, and the said Peace and Friendship renewed; farther requesting, that certain Articles very necessary should to the same Capitulations be added. The desire of his Majesty, being declared in the Imperial Presence of our said Grandfather Sultan Achmet Han, was presently granted: And he gave express Command and Order, that the said Peace and Friendship should be renewed and fortified, and the Ancient Capitulations and Privileges confirmed; and that the new desired Articles should be inserted, and added to the Imperial Capitulations: Granting farther to the English Nation, all those Articles and farther Privileges which were, given, and written in any Capitulations with other, Nations, Potentates, or Kings in Peace and Amity with this Imperial Port: And by this Imperial Command he gave order, that these his Imperial Commands should be obeyed of all men, and the Tenor of them duly observed. The Articles which then were granted, and added to the Capitulations, were these following. XXI. That our Ministers shall not demand, or take of the said English Nation any Custom, No Custom to be taken on Moneys. None to force change of Moneys. or other Duties, of all the Dollars and Chequeens, they, or an under their Banner shall bring in, or transport from place to place, or carry out of our Dominions; and that neither Beglerbegs, Begs, Caddees, Treasurers, Mint-Masters, or other, shall take and demand either Dollars or Chequeens from the said Nation, to change them into small Asper's; nor shall give or do them any violence or trouble thereupon. XXII. The English Nation, and all those that come under their Banner, their Vessels, small and great, shall and may navigate, traffic, buy, sell, and abide in all parts of our Dominions; No Ammunition to be carried in our Ships. and excepting Arms, Gunpowder, and other such prohibited Commodities, they may load, and carry away in their Ships, whatsoever of our Merchandizes, at their own pleasure, without the impeachment or trouble of any man; and their Ships and Vessels may come safely and securely to Anchor at all times, Provisions may be bought for our Ships. and traffic at all times in every part of out Dominions, and with their Money buy Victuals, and all other things, without any contradiction, or hindrance of any man. No Process to be made without presence of the Ambassador, etc. XXIII. And if any difference shall happen with any of the said English Nation, by Suit in Law, or any other Controversy, the Caddees, or any other Ministers of our Justice, shall not hear nor decide the Cause, until the Ambassador, Consul, or Druggerman of the said Nation shall be present. Suit of Law above 4000 Asper's to be heard above. XXIV. All differences, or Suits of Law depending with the said Nation, which shall exceed the value 4000 Asper's, shall always be heard and decided at our Imperial Port. No Consul to be imprisoned, nor dismissed, etc. XXV. The English Nations Consul, or Resident in any Port of our Dominions, being established by the Ambassador, Resident for the English Nation, our Ministers shall have no power to imprison, or examine, or seal up their Houses, nor to dismiss or displace them from their Charge and Office; but in case of any difference, or Suit with the Consul, there shall he made a Certificate to the Imperial Port, to the end that the Embasladour may protect and answer for them. The Goods of Englishmen dying, not to Eschent, etc. XXVI. When any Englishman, or other under their Banner shall die in our Dominions, with their Goods or Faculties, or any thing that belonged unto them, our Escheators, Caddees, or other Ministers, upon pretence they are Goods of the Dead, without any Owner, shall not meddle, take, or seize any part thereof, but they shall always be consigned, and remaining to such other English, as the Deceased shall by his Testament assign; and if he died intestate, than the English Consul shall take and receive his, Faculties and Goods; and if there be no Consul, the English Resident there shall take the Possession; and in case there be neither Consul, nor English, the said Goods and Faculties whatsoever, shall be received into the custody of the Caddee of that place; and having advised the English Ambassador thereof, the said Caddee shall resign all the said Goods unto such Persons as the Ambassador shall send with Commission to receive them. XXVII. All these Privileges, and other Liberties granted to the English Nation, and those who come under their Protection, by divers Imperial Commands, whether before or after the date of these Imperial Capitulations, shall be always obeyed and observed, and shall always be understood and interpreted in favour of the English Nation, according to the Tenor and true Contents thereof. In eases of Death, the Cadee not to meddle. XXVIII. Neither the Officer, called the Cassam, or Gatherer of the Caddees Duties, in case of death, nor the Caddee, shall pretend or take of the said English Nation, any kind of Tenths, or Gasmets, or Fee of Division. No Janisary, etc. to be imposed on us without our consent. XXIX. The Ambassador of the King of England, or Consul residing in our Dominion, shall and may take into their service any Janisary, or Interpreter, at their own charge and choice; and no Janisary, nor other our Slaves, shall put themselves, or intermeddle with their service against their liking or consent. XXX. The Ambassador of his Majesty of England, and Consul, and the English Nation-residing in our Empire, for the use of their own Persons and Families, making Must or Wine in their own Houses, none of our Ministers, Caddees, or Janissaries, For making Wine. shall molest or hinder them, or demand any Duties or Money, or do them any violence or impediment. Customs paid in one Port, are not to be demanded in another. XXXI. In the Port of Constantinople, Aleppo, Alexandria, Scio, Smyrna, and in other parts of our Dominions, the English Merchants having paid the Custom of their Merchandise, according to the Tenor of the Imperial Capitulations, no man shall molest, or trouble, or take from them any thing more; and whatsoever Merchandise shall be loaden upon their Ships, and brought in our Dominions, and landed at any Scale, they being desirous to lad it again, and to transport it to any other Scale, or Port, the same Goods arriving in the second place, and Scale, and being there unladen, neither the Customer, nor Farmers, nor any other our Officers, shall pretend or take again any Customs, or Gabels of the said Merchandise; that the said Nation may always freely and securely trade, and follow their business. No Hassapie Duties. XXXII. Neither of the English Nation, nor of any trading under their Banner, there shall not be demanded nor gathered one Asper, nor any Money in the name of Imposition Hassapie, or Compositions for Flesh for the Janissaries. XXXIII. There having been in times past a difference between the Ambassador of the Queen of England, and the French Ambassador, both resident in our Port, about the Merchants of the Dutch Nation; both which Ambassadors sent their Petitions to our Imperial Stirrup, and made request, that the said Dutch Merchants, coming into our Dominions, should pass under their Banner; which Request of both Ambassadors was granted under our Imperial Seal; notwithstanding Sinan Bassa, the Son of Cigala, Captain of the Sea, now deceased, as Admiral, and practised in Maritime cases, having advised the Imperial Majesty, that it was fit and convenient that the Dutch Nation should be assigned to the Protection of the Ambassador of England, and that it should be so written in their Capitulations: which Opinion being by all the Viziers approved, by Express Order, and Imperial Authority it was commanded, that the Dutch Merchants of the Provinces of Holland, Zealand, Freezeland, and Gelderland; that is, the Merchants of those four Provinces, trading in our Dominions, shall always come under the Banner of the Queen of England, as all other English do; and that of all the Goods and Merchandise which they shall or do import or export, All Straugers to come under the English Protection. to and from our Dominions in their Vessels, they shall pay the Duties of Consulage, and all other Duties, to the Ambassador or Consul of the Queen of England; and that never hereafter the French Ambassador or Consul shall insinuate nor intermeddle herein: And accordingly it was commanded, that for the time to come it should be ruled and observed, according to this present Capitulation. After which, there being arrived an other Ambassador at this High Port, sent from the King of England, with Letters and Presents, which were most acceptable, the said Ambassador did make request, that certain other necessary Articles should be added, and written in the Imperial Capitulations; of which the first was, As in times past, in the days of one of our Forefathers of famous memory, Sultan Soliman Han, there was granted a certain Capitulation and Privilege, that the Merchants of the Spanish Nation, Portugal, Ancona, Sevilla, Florence, Catalonia, and all sorts of Dutchmen, and other Merchant-Strangers, might safely and securely go, and come through all the places of our Dominions, and trade and traffic; granting unto them, moreover, that in any part of our Empire they might establish their Consuls: But it being that every Nation apart was not able to defray the Charges and Maintenance of a Consul, it was then left to their will and choice, to come under the Banner of such Ambassador or Consul as should best like them, provided that it were an Ambassador or Consul of a King in Peace and Amity with our High Port; upon which Grant, and other Privileges given them, there were often granted divers Imperial Commands and Constitutions, being so desired by Merchant-Strangers, who of their own will elected to trade under the Banner and Protection of the Ambassador and Consul of the King of England. And whilst in all Scales and Ports in these parts, they had refuge to the Banner and Protection of the English Consuls: It seemeth, that the French Ambassador by some means having a new gotten into their Capitulations, that the said Merchant-Strangers should come under their Banner, did endeavour to force them in all Scales to their Protection; for which cause the Controversy was again renewed and referred to our Divan, or Great Council, which after a due Examination, and a new Election, permitted to the will and choice of the said Merchants, they again did desire to be under the Protection of the Ambassador of the King of England, notwithstanding it being made known to the Imperial Port, that as yet the French Ambassador did not desire to molest the said Merchants, nor to force them under his Protection, the first Article written in the French Capitulations, that the Merchants-Strangers should come under their Protection, was by the Imperial Command made void and annulled: And to the end, that according to the ancient Custom of the said Merchant-Strangers, they should always come under the Banner and Protection of the Ambassador or Consuls of England; and that never hereafter they should be vexed or troubled by the French Ambassador in this point, the said Ambassadors of his Majesty of England having desired that this particular should be written, and enrolled in this new Imperial Capitulation, this present Article was accordingly inserted, and by the Imperial Authority it is commanded, that for ever in time to come, Merchants of the said Princes, in the mentioned form, and according to this Imperial Command in their hand, shall always be under the Banner and Protection of the Ambassador and Consuls of England. XXXIV. There shall never be permitted or granted any Imperial Commands contrary to the Tenor and Articles of this Imperial Command or Capitulation, No Imperial Command contrary to these Articles to be granted. nor in prejudice of this our Peace and Amity, but in such occasion the cause shall first be certified to the Ambassador of England residing at the Port; to the end, that he may answer and object any scandalous action, or other pretence, which might infringe the Peace and League. For enforcing Consulage. XXXV. The English Merchants of all the Merchandise which they shall bring or transport in their Ships, having paid the Custom, they shall also pay the Right of Consulage to the English Ambassador, or Consul. XXXVI. The English Merchants, and all under their Banner, shall and may safely, throughout our Dominion, trade, buy, sell, (except only Commodities prohibited) all sorts of Merchandise; likewise either by Land or Sea they may go and traffic, Permission to trade in all parts of the Turks Dominions. or by the way of the River Tanais in Moscovia, or by Russia, and from thence may bring their Merchandise into our Empire; also to and from Persia they may go and trade, and through all that part newly by us conquered, and through those Confines, without the impediment or molestation of any of our Ministers; and they shall pay the Custom, and other Duties of that Country, and nothing more. XXXVII. The English Merchants, and all under their Banner, Three per cent. Custom. shall and may safely and freely trade and negotiate in Aleppo, Cairo, Scio, Smyrna, and in all parts of our Dominions; and according to our ancient Customs of all their Merchandise, they shall pay three in the hundred for Custom, and nothing more. Vessels forced by weather. XXXVIII. The English Ships which shall come to this our City of Constantinople, if by fortune of Seas, or ill weather, they shall be forced to Coffa, or to such like Port, as long as the English will not unlade and sell their own Merchandise and Goods, no man shall enforce them, nor give them any trouble or annoyance; but in all places of danger, the Caddees, or other of our Ministers shall always protect and defend the said English Ships, Men, and Goods, that no damage may come unto them, and with their Money may buy Victuals, and other necessaries; and desiring also with their Money to hire Carts, or Vessels, which before were not hired by any other, to transport their Goods from place to place; no man shall do them any hindrance, or trouble whatsoever. XXXIX. The English Nation, of all the Merchandise which in their Ships shall be brought to Constantinople, Goods not landed, to pay no Custom. or to any other part of our Dominions, which they shall not desire of their own accord to land, or sell, of such Goods there shall not be demanded or taken any Custom at arrival at any Port; and having landed their Merchandise, and paid their Customs, and other Duties, they may quietly and safely departed without the molestation of any man. XL. In regard English Ships coming into our Dominions, do use oftentimes to touch in some part of Africa, and there take in Pilgrims, and Mahometan Passengers to transport them to Alexandria; Idem. and arriving at that Port, it seemeth that the Customers and other Officers, do pretend to take Custom of all Goods which are found in their Ships, before the Merchants are willing to land any; by occasion of which molestation they have forborn to transport any Pilgrim. And in like manner, their Ships which come to Constantinople, and carry divers Merchandise, to transport part thereof to other places, the Customers and Farmers would enforce to land, and pretend to take Custom thereof: Wherefore we do command, that all the English Ships which with their Merchandise shall come into this Port of Constantinople, Alexandria, Tripoli of Suria, Scanderoon, or into any Port whatsoever of our Empire; according to use, they shall pay only Custom of such Goods, which with their own will they shall design to sell, and such other Merchandise as they discharge not from their Ships willingly our Customer shall not demand, nor take Custom, nor other Duties, but they may transport them whithersoever they please. XLI. And if it shall happen, that any of the said English Nation, or any under their Banner, Matters of Manslaughter. shall commit Manslaughter, Bloodshed, or any other like of fence, or that there shall happen any cause appertaining to the Law or Justice, until the Ambassador or Consul shall be present to examine the Cause, the Judges, nor other Ministers, shall not decide nor give any sentence, but such controversy shall always be declared in the presence of the Ambassador or Consul, to the end, that no man be judged or condemned contrary to the Law, and the Capitulations. XLII. Whereas it is written in the Imperial Capitulations, that the Goods landed out of any English Ship, which shall come into our Dominions, and pay Custom, ought also to pay the duty of Consulage to the English Ambassador or Consul, Foreigners Consulage to be paid. it seemeth, that divers Mahometan Merchants, Sciots, and other Merchants in Peace and Amity with this Imperial Port, and other Merchant-Strangers, do deny and refuse to pay the right of Consulage; wherefore it is commanded, that all the Merchandise which shall be laden upon their Ships, and have paid custom, be they goods of whomsoever, according to ancient Imperial Capitulations, they shall pay the right of Consulage to the Ambassador or Consul of England without any contradiction. XLIII. That English Merchants which trade at Aleppo, and those under their Banner, Silk to pay the Custom, as Venetians, and French. of all the Silk which they shall buy, and lad upon their Ships, shall pay the Custom, and other Duties, as the French and Venetian Merchants do pay, and not one Asper or Farthing more. XLIV. As the Ambassadors of the King of England, which shall be Resident in this Imperial Court, are the Representatives and Commissioners of the Person of his Majesty, so the Interpreters are to be esteemed the Commissioners of the Ambassador: therefore for such matter as the Interpreters shall translate or speak in the name, Interpreters to have licence to speak the sense of the Ambassador, or Consul. or by the order of the Ambassador, it being found that that which they have translated to be according to the will and order of the Ambassador, or Consul, they shall be always free from any imputation, or punishment: And in case they shall commit any offence, Druggermen dying, etc. our Ministers shall not put any of the said Interpreters in Prison, nor beat them without knowledge of the Ambassador, or Consul. In case any of the English Interpreters shall die, if he be an Englishman, all his Goods or Faculties shall be possessed by the Ambassador, or Consul of England; but if he shall be a Subject of our Dominion, they shall be consigned to his next Heir, and having no Heir, they shall be taken into our Exchequer. And as in this particular, so also in all other the Articles and Privileges granted by our Forefathers of happy memory, it is expressly commanded and ordained, That all our Slaves shall ever obey and observe this Imperial Capitulation, and that the Peace and Amity shall be respected and maintained, without any violation whatsoever. No command valid against the Capitulations. XLV. Since which time of our Forefathers of famous memory, and the grant of these Capitulations, Articles, and Establishment of Peace and Amity, the said King of England having in the time of our Grandfather of happy memory, Sultan Mahomet Han, sent one his well desired Ambassador, a person of Quality, to this high Port, to confirm this Peace, Articles and Capitulations: which Ambassador did declare, That oftentimes there were to divers persons Imperial Commands granted, surreptitiously procured contrary to the tenor and Articles of the Imperial Capitulations; which being without our knowledge presented to our Judges and Governors, and the dates of such Commands being more fresh than those of our Imperial Capitulations, the Judges and Ministers do put in execution the private Commands prejudicial and contrary to these Imperial. To the end therefore, that for the time to come, such Commands shall not be accepted of any, but that the imperial Capitulations might be always observed and maintained, according to the sincere meaning; the said Ambassador demonstrating the sincerity of his Majesty and his request herein to our Imperial knowledge, which was most acceptable: In conformity thereunto it was expressly ordered, That all such Commands which already have been, or shall hereafter be granted, which are or shall be repugnant to the tenor of this Imperial Capitulation, whatsoever such Commands shall be, when presented before our Caddees or other Ministers, should never be accepted or put into execution, but that always the tenor of the Imperial Capitulations shall be observed: And whosoever shall present such Command contrary to the Capitulations, Such commands to be taken away. they shall be taken from him, and in no wise be of any force or validity. In which time also on the part of our said Grandfather, all the above-written Privileges, Articles, and Capitulations, were accepted and ratified, and the peace, amity, and good correspondence anciently contracted was anew of him confirmed and established. XLVI. In the time of the Inauguration of Sultan Osman Han in the Imperial and high Throne, the King of England did again send a famous and Noble Gentleman, his Ambassador, with Letters and Presents which were most acceptable. And the said Ambassador desiring in the Name of his King and Lord, that the ancient Capitulation, Articles, and Contracts, granted in the days of our Forefathers, should be of him renewed and confirmed, and the ancient peace and amity anew fortified and established, which his request was to the said Sultan Osman most acceptable. And the ancient Capitulations, Articles, Privileges, herein written and confirmed, and the long since contracted peace and amity by him promised and accepted. XLVII. After whom in like manner, in the days of Sultan Osman Han, the King of England having again sent unto this high Port his Ambassador, the Excellent and Honourable Sir Thomas Roe, Knight, with his Letters and Presents, which were most acceptable; and proffering in the Name of the King his Lord, all good terms of friendship and good correspondence: And desiring that the ancient Capitulations, and all the Articles from his Ancestors, and from himself formerly granted to the English Nation, might be anew confirmed, and the peace and league long since between both Parties contracted and ratified; and that some other Articles very necessary might be added to the Imperial Capitulations, and divers others already granted might be renewed, amended, and in a better form explained, which his request and demand was very acceptable unto him; and in conformity thereunto, the ancient Imperial Capitulations, and all the Articles and other Privileges in them often confirmed, and the peace, amity, and good correspondence contracted, in the times of his Ancestors, Grandfather and Father, and himself confirmed, were again by Sultan Osman then ratified, established, promised and accepted, whereupon by him there was express command given, that for the time to come the tenor of his renewed Capitulations should be of every one observed, and that all men should be careful and respectful to the said peace and friendship established and contracted on both parts, and that no man should presume to violate, or to do any act contrary thereunto, which Ambassador did often declare that the Caddees, and other of our Ministers, in many places and Provinces, contrary to the Imperial Capitulations and will of the Imperial Majesty, have imposed and laid divers taxes, burdens, and moneys upon the said English Nation, and those under their Banner, for which cause as it is above declared, it being found necessary to make additions of some new Articles in the said Imperial Capitulation, of which the said Ambassador made declaration in Writing, and presented the same to the Imperial Presence: The said Sultan Osman Han with his Imperial Hand and Seal did presently give express order and command, that in the time to come all those Articles and Privileges which were already in the Imperial Capitulations, and those Articles which now are therein by our order newly added, shall be of all our Subjects and Slaves duly obeyed and observed, according to the sincere meaning of this our Imperial Capitulations. XLVIII. In as much as it is publicly known, That certain Pirates of Tunis and Algiers, contrary to our Imperial Capitulations, mind, and will, do take and rob in the Seas the Ships, Merchandise, and men, Subjects to his Majesty of England, and of other Kings and States in league with this our Imperial Port, to the great damage and injury of the said English Nation, Against the Pirates of Barbary. We do command and by these Presents we do ordain, that several Imperial Commands be given, for the entire restitution of all Goods and Merchandise to the English Nation so taken away: And that all such English as have been taken and made Slaves, or imprisoned by the said Pirates shall be immediately set free. And after the date of this our Imperial Capitulations, if it shall be known that the said Pirates of Tunis and Algiers shall rob them again, and shall use and continue their outrages, and will not restore their Goods and men, we do command that the said Pirates be not received into any Port of our Dominions, especially into the Scales of Tunis, Algiers, Modon, or Coron. Our Beglerbegs, and other Ministers, shall not suffer them to enter, nor harbour, nor receive them, but the Beglerbegs, Caddees or other Ministers shall persecute, banish and punish them. XLIX. Being informed that in our Dominions many of our Customers and other Officers in Aleppo contrary to the Imperial Capitulations, under colour of taking Custom and Rest upon Silk of the English Merchants, have violently taken from the said Merchants a great sum of Money. No Rest to be taken. And whereas in the Imperial Capitulations it is written, that for Silk which the English shall buy in Aleppo, they shall pay as the French and Venetian Merchants do, and no more; Notwithstanding the said Customers, besides the two and half per cent. for Custom and Rest, have taken from that Nation a great sum of Money lately under Name of Rest, wherefore We command that this Business shall be examined, and that the said Money be restored back, and for the time to come, the ancient Custom may be kept; and that this Nation shall only pay as the French and Venetian do, and that never be taken one Asper by name of such Imposition. L Whereas the English Merchants Resident in Galata, ordinarily buy divers Goods and Merchandise before they can Lade or send them away upon their Ships, and do pay unto the Customers the Custom of the said Goods, receiving a Bill, The Discharge of one Customer a sufficient Acquittance against him that succeeds. or Acquittance to have paid the same, and after carry the same Merchandise to their own Warehouses: In the mean time before they can Load and send away the said Goods; it happens, that either the Customer dies, or is removed from his Charge, and the new Customers will not accept of the said Acquittances, but pretend another Custom, troubling and molesting of them many ways. Wherefore We do Command, That of all the Merchandise which they shall buy, it appearing really that he hath paid once his Custom, the Customer shall accept of the said Acquittances, and shall not demand of the Merchant a second Custom. LI. It being usual to buy in Angora, Chamblets, Mohairs, Silks and other sorts of Merchandise which they transport to Constantinople, and other places of our Dominions, and pay their Customs, taking Acquittances for the same, and so put the Goods into their own Warehouses; And after being desirous to Ship them away, the Customers do demand again the Custom, No Custom to be paid twice. Therefore for the time to come, when the said Merchants shall desire to lad such Goods, and it be true that they have already paid their Custom of such Merchandise, they shall not demand any second or new Customs, Provided that the laid Merchants do not mingle their Goods, which have not paid Custom with those which have already paid Custom. LII. The English Merchants of all the Merchandise which they shall bring into our Dominions, and of the Merchandise which they carry out of our Dominions, as Silk, Chamblets and other Goods, having paid the Custom, and not sold the Goods unto another; And being afterwards to Ship it away for Scio, Smyrna, or any other Scale, and the said Goods there arriving, the Customers, and Officers, shall always accept of their Acquittances, which they have in their hands, and shall not take other Custom of their Merchandise. LIII. The English Merchants of all the Commodities which they shall bring to Constantinople, or to any other Port of our Dominions, and of all such as they shall transport, Mestaria to be paid at Galata. the Mestaragis of Galata and Constantinople shall take their Mestaria or Brokidge according to the ancient Canon and usance, that is of such Merchandise as of old Custom was wont to pay it, of such they shall only take Mestaria, but of such Merchandise as was not anciently accustomed to pay it shall not be taken Mestaria contrary to the ancient Canon. Farther upon the English Merchandise, there shall not be made or laid any Impositions, or other Duties, No Duties to be raised above the accustomed usance. nor from the said Nation shall not be taken one Asper, more, which shall be contrary to the ancient Canon and accustomed usance. LIV. The English Nation shall and may freely come into all the Ports of our Dominions to Negotiate and bring in Cloth, Kersie, Spice, Tin, Led, and all other Merchandise, and no man shall do them any hindrance or molestation. In like manner, except only Goods prohibited, they shall and may buy, and export all sort of Merchandise without the prohibition or molestation of any man; and the Customers, and other Officers, the said Nation having paid their Custom according to this Imperial Capitulation, and the ancient use, shall not demand of them any thing more. In the time of the happy memory of my Uncle Sultan Murat Han, the King of England sent his Ambassador Sir Sackville Crow, Baronet, with his Present and Letter, which was received in good part; and the time of his Embassy being expired, Sir Thomas Bendish arrived to reside at the Port with his Present and courteous Letter, the which was in like manner well accepted, And the said Ambassador having tendered the Imperial Capitulations formerly granted, that according to the ancient Canon they might be renewed; It is hereby again commanded, that all the points, and particular Articles therein be observed and maintained. No Goods to be forced violently out of the Ships. LV. And because contrary to the fence and tenure of them, the Ships of the English Merchants before they arrive at the Scale, several Officers did go upon them, and violently force out of the Ships the Goods of the Merchants, taking away the choice of them without agreeing for the Price, or making any account with the Owners. Abuses to be redressed in Customs. LVI. And farthermore the said Merchants having once paid the Custom for their Goods at the Customhouse, and being desirous to transport the same Goods into another Scale, the Customers did hinder and detain them, until he received another second Custom for them. LVII. And whereas in the Imperial Capitulations it is expressed, that in all the differences and Suits with the English Nation our Magistrates are not to hear nor decide the Cause, unless their Ambassador or Consul be there present. In hearing of Law Suits. Of late our Judges without the knowledge of their Ambassador have condemned, imprisoned, and taken Presents from the English Nation which is a great wrong done to them. No Customs upon Money LVIII. Also whereas in the Imperial Capitulations, it is ordered, that the Customers shall not take any Custom for such Gold and Dollars as by the English Nation shall be brought in, or carried out of Our Imperial Dominions, and that the Merchants are to give only three per cent. for the Custom of their Goods, and no more; the Customers notwithstanding do pretend to take Custom for their Chequeens, and Dollars; and to take more Custom than their due for their Raw Silks, which they buy; Raw Silks. and of the Goods which they land at Scanderoone to carry up to Aleppo, they demand six per cent. which unjust exactions have been heretofore rectified and redressed with an express Hattersheriffe. But being now again informed, that the said English Merchants, are as before wronged, by reason that the Customers do value and estimate the Goods of the English Merchants more than they are worth; and though the Customers are to have but three per cent. yet by an over valuation of the Goods, they take from them six per cent. And the Servants of the Custom-house, under pretence of small Duties and Expenses, wrongfully take great sums of Money from them; A greater number of Guardians not to be put aboard our Ships then usual. And a greater number of Waiters being put aboard the English Ships, than heretofore have been used, the charges thereof are a great expense to the Merchants and Masters of Ships that sustain it. To all which, we being requested for a redress, do Command, that when the Customers do set great values upon their Goods, the Merchant offering to them according to the rate of three per cent. in specie, of the same Goods, the Customers shall not refuse but accept the same. And being desired by the English Ambassador that the above specified abuses and injustice should be rectified, We do Command, that contrary to the Imperial Capitulations the English Merchants be neither in the foregoing particulars, nor in any other manner troubled, nor their Privileges unjustly infringed. The Ambassador of the King of Great Britain Sir Heneage Finch, Knight, Earl of Winchilsea, Viscount Maidston, Baron Fitzherbert of Eastwell, Lord of the Royal Manor of Wye, and Lieutenant of the County of Kent, and City of Canterbury, whose end may it terminate with bliss; did arrive with his Presents, and with all sincerity, and affection was accompanied with Letters amply expressing the good friendship, and correspondence; and that abovesaid Ambassador hath presented the Capitulations that they might be renewed according to the Canon. And that some Articles of great consideration which were before in the Capitulations may be more punctually observed, the said Ambassador did desine, that they, might be again renewed, and more plainly expressed in the Imperial Capitulations. His request was graciously accepted; one of which Points is this. LIX. That the Galleys, and other Vessels of the Imperial Fleet departing the Dominions of the Grand Signior, and meeting on the Sea with the Ships of England, they shall in no wise give them molestation, nor detain them in their Voyage, nor take from them any thing whatsoever, but aught always to show to one another good friendship, without doing the least damage. And it being thus declared in the Imperial Capitulations, The Pirates of Barbary not to search our Ships for Strangers Goods. Beyes and Captains, who Sail upon the Seas, and those of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, meeting English Ships which Sail from one Port to another, ought not to take from them any Money or goods, upon pretence that their Ships transport Enemy's Goods, and thereupon search them, and with this colour molest, and detain them from prosecution of their Voyage, so that only at the mouth of the Castles, and in the Ports where the Searchers belonging to the Customs usually come aboard, their Goods shall be examined, but on the Sea, they shall be liable to no farther search or inquisition. LX. And contrary to the Articles of the Imperial Capitulations, the Goods of the English Nation ought to receive no molestation having once paid the Custom, Customs being paid, the Customer not to deny the Teschere. nor shall the Customers deny to give the Teschere, or Certificate, that the Custom is paid for; upon complaint hereof, We strictly Command that the aforesaid Customers do not defer immediately upon demand to give the Teschere or Certificate. A second Custom not to be demanded. LXI. And the Custom being once paid of any sort of Merchandise not sold in that Port, which is to be transported to another Scale, entire credit shall be given to the Teschere, and a second Custom shall not be so much as farther pretended. LXII. In Aleppo, Cairo, and other parts of the Imperial Dominions, the English Merchants and their Servants may freely and frankly trade, All Goods in English Ships, as well as those of the growth and Manufacture of England, not to pay above three per cent. Custom. and for all their Goods and Merchandise pay only three per Cent. according to the former Custom and the Imperial Capitulations, whether the Goods be brought by Sea or by Land. And though the Customers and Farmers, upon the arrival of the Goods at the Scale, to give molestation and trouble to the English Nation, pretend that the Goods of the growth and manufacture of England ought only to pay three per Cent. but Goods brought from Venice and other places are obliged to pay more, and with this colour and pretence occasion suits, and troubles to the English; wherefore in this point let the Imperial Capitulations be observed as in former times, and Our Officers ought in no wise to permit the contrary hereunto. Without Pledge or Suretyship one Englishman not to answer for another. LXIII. An Englishman becoming indebted, or having made himself Pledge for another, who is either failed, or run away; the Debt ought to be demanded of the Debtor; And if the Creditor have no Hoget that such an one according to the Law hath made himself Pledge and security, the Debt shall not be demanded of the other, which Article is already declared in the Capitulations. Bill of Exchange not accepted, cannot be enforced. LXIV. Whereas sometimes an Englishman living in a Country, to free himself from a Debt draws a Bill of Exchange upon another Englishman who hath no Effects of his in his hands; and the person to whom the Money is payable being a man of Power, and Authority, brings his Bill, and contrary to the Law, and the Capitulations, demands and forces payment of the Bill. In which case the Merchant accepting the Bill, shall be obliged to satisfy it, but not accepting of it, he shall be liable to no farther trouble. Drugermen free of all Angaria, and the Cassam. LXV. And the Interpreters of the Ambassador of England being free by the Articles, declared in the ancient Capitulations, of all Angaria, or Taxes; by virtue also of this present Article, when any of the said Interpreters die, their Goods, or Estate shall not be subject to the Custom, but shall be divided amongst the Creditors, and Heirs. LXVI. And the King of England being a true Friend to this Our happy Port, Ten of the Ambassadors Servants free of Harach. To his Ambassador who resides here ten Servants, of what Nation soever, shall be allowed free from Harach or Taxes, or molestation of any man. LXVII. An Englishman turning Mahometan, and having Goods, or Estate in his hands belonging to his English Principals, The Estate of Principals the hand of a Renegado to be delivered to the Ambassador or Consul. those goods or Estate shall be delivered into the hands of the Ambassador, or Consul, that they may convey, and make them good to the true Owners. The late Ambassador of the King of England who resided in our high Port being dead, Sir John Finch, Knight, a prudent man, and one of the Council of Foreign Trade, is appointed to succeed him in the Charge of the Embassy: And notice being given to our Noble Presence, that the said Ambassador was arrived with the Royal Letters and the usual Presents, they were acceptable to us. And the aforesaid Ambassador having made known to us, that in the Capitulations already granted, there were several expressions so full of ambiguity, that they needed further explication; and to this end having requested of us, in the behalf of the King his Master, that the Capitulations might be renewed, and that such Explications and additional Articles as were necessary might be added to them; the Request of the said Ambassador being made known to us, We have consented to it: And We do command, and be it commanded, that the Additions desired be added to the former Capitulations; of which one is, I. The Nisani Sheriff (that is) the Imperial Command, upon which was put the Hattersheriff (that is) the Hand of the Emperor Sultan Ibrahim Han (whose Soul rest in glory) in the year 1053. which Command declares, that anciently the English Ships that came to Scanderoon, did pay for every Cloth of London for the Custom of Scanderoon forty Para's; and for a piece of Kersey six Para's; and for every Bundle of Coney-skins six Para's; and for Tin and Lead, for every Quintal of Damascus or Cantaro fifty seven Para's and a half for Custom; which Goods afterwards arriving in Aleppo did pay for the Custom of Aleppo, for every Cloth of London eight Para's, for a Piece of Kersey eight Para's and one sixth, for every Bundle of Coney-skins eight Para's and one sixth, for Tin and Lead for every Battman of Aleppo one Para for Custom. And the said Nation buying Goods & transporting them, for what they bought in Aleppo and exported, did pay for raw Cloth of Linen or Chilis, for Cordovans, for Hora sani Hindi, for every Bale of each two Dollars and a half; and for every Bale of Cotton Yarn a Dollar and a quarter, and for a Bale of Gauls a quarter of a Dollar, and for every Bale of Silk ten Osmani (of which fourteen makes a Dollar) for Rhubarb, and such like Drugs, three Dollars for every hundred, according to the estimate of the chief in that Art. The said Goods carried to Scanderoon, and there loaden upon their Ships, did pay for Raw Linen-cloth, or Chilis, for Cordovans, each a Dollar and a half the Bale for the Custom of Scanderoon; for Hora sani Hindi and Cotton Yarn, three quarters of a Dollar the Bale, for a Bale of Gauls one quarter of a Dollar, for Rhubarb and like Drugs, according to the esteem of Druggist's, three quartes of a Dollar the Bale; and nothing more is to be, or aught to be paid, according to the tenor of this sublime Command: And if the Testerdar shall give any Command contrary to this, let it not be obeyed, but be esteemed invalid: But let every thing be observed conformable to this Imperial Command and Imperial Capitulations. II. The English Merchants for all Goods exported or imported paid three per cent. only, and never ought to pay an Asper more, it being so specified in the Imperial Capitulations: But there having in the Scales of Constantinople and Galata arose contrasts and differences with the Customers concerning the Londra's, or Cloth brought from London, and other sorts of Cloth of the English Manufacture, they shall pay according to the accustomed and ancient Canon, and as they have always hitherto paid, that is to say of full Asper's, or short money, of which Asper's eighty make a piece of eight, and seventy a Lion Dollar, Asper's one hundred forty and four, for every piece of Cloth of English fabric, whether sine or course, and of whatsoever price, and the Customer shall not demand more, nor ought not to take more: But the Cloth that comes from Holland, and other Countries, viz. Londrini, Sesse and Scarlets, and other sorts of Cloth not English fabric, shall pay for the future that which hitherto has been the accustomed Duty. And at the Scale of Smyrna shall be paid according to the ancient Custom and Use of full Asper's, or short Money, of which Asper's eighty make a piece of eight, and seventy a Lion Dollar; Asper's one hundred and twenty for every piece of English Cloth, whether fine or course, whether Londra or not, provided that it be of the fabric of England: And the Customer shall not demand, nor ought not to take, one Asper more, and let no Innovation be made upon the Custom of the said . III. The Capitulations being known, which commands, that the English having a Controversy, the import of which is above four thousand Asper's, that the Cause shall be brought to the Porta, and tried no where else; if at any time the Caddi or Ministers of any place would detain any Merchant, or hinder any Englishman that comes upon a Ship, from prosecuting their Voyage by reason of any Money imposed upon them, or pretended from them, if the Consul of the place will be Security to answer the Pretensions made before the Porta, such Persons shall be free and at liberty to prosecute their Voyage; and they that pretend any thing of them, let them come to the Divan for to be judged, and let the Ambassador defend them from these that come to demand; but if the Consul will not, be Security, then let the Judge of the place give Sentence. In Constantinople, Scanderone, Smyrna, and Cyprus, and all other Ports and Scales of my Empire, whatsoever English Ships shall arrive, they shall pay three hundred Asper's for Anchorage or Port Charges, and there shall not, nor ought not to be taken or paid one Asper more. V An Englishman coming with Effects and turning Mussulman, the Ambassador or Consul knowing that such Effects do belong to other English Merchants, let all the Money and other Effects be taken out of the hand of such a Mussulman, and consigned to the Ambassador; to the end that he may transmit them to whom they do belong, that by this means no Goods of other men may remain in the hands of such a Mussulman; and let not this be hindered by the means of any Caddi, or other Judges or Ministers. VI Any of the aforesaid English Nation buying Chambelets, Mochairs, or Grogran-yarne in Angora, or Begbazar, if they will export the said Goods from those places, after having paid three per cent. for the Custom of such Goods they export, let them not be molested for Skraz Batch, that is, for Passage or Exportation; and there neither shall nor aught to be taken upon the account of any such Dem and one Asper. VII. Any English Merchant being to receive from his Debtor any sum of Money, if the said Debt be recovered by the means and help of an Assistant or Chiaus, he that recovers the Debt shall pay no more than what is paid to other Caddi's, which is two Asper's only, and not one Asper more. VIII. There passing good correspondence between Us and the King of England; out of regard of this good Friendship, We do grant that two Ships lading of Figs, Raisins or Currants may be yearly Exported for the use of his Majesty's Kitchen, if there be not a dearth and scarcity of such Fruit in the Country; which we allow to be bought with their Money that Export them at the Scale of Smyrna, Salonica, or any other Scale or Port of our Empire, paying three per Cent. Custom, which being paid no person shall give to them that lad them any molestation or hindrance. IX. It being represented to Us, that the English have been accustomed hitherto to pay no Custom nor Mezan for any Silk they bought in Smyrna. (that of Prussia and Constantinople excepted) viz▪ for the Silk of Giorgia, Persia, or Armenia; if really there is any such Use and Custom, and the thing is not of prejudice to the Empire, let there in Smyrna for the future be demanded neither Custom nor Mezan for the said Silk, but. to the English Merchants let all kindness be used and shown. And the Ambassador having made instance to Us that the foregoing Articles might be put into the Capitulations, his Request is granted, and conformable to the former Imperial Sign and Capitulation, let now in conformity of what was passed, and of my Imperial Command, be renewed and granted this present Imperial Capitulation: which We command so long as Charles the Second King of England (whose end may it terminate in happiness) maintains good Friendship and Correspondence with Us, according to what has been maintained with our Ancestors, and to which We on our part are not wanting, with all tenderness entertaining this Friendship. And we do swear and promise by him that has Created the Heaven and the Earth, and all the Creatures; by the Creator the one God We do promise, that nothing shall be done contrary to this Imperial Capitulation; and accordingly every one is to obey our Imperial Sign. Given in the middle of the Moon Gemaziel Akir 1086. in the Imperial City of Adrianople, being in the Month of September 1675. The Grand Signior writes above with his own hand as follows. Let every thing be observed in Conformity to our IMPERIAL COMMAND, and contrary to it let nothing be done. FINIS.